All Over Albany

At The Plaza 2016

The schedule for this summer's lineup of events at/near the Empire State Plaza. It includes the usual mix of concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings. There series of free events starts June 15.

Along with the schedule comes the announcement that the reconstruction of the staircase/amphitheater outside the State Museum is officially complete. So the stage will be back at that end of the plaza this summer and people will be able to sit on the steps/benches there.

On with the schedule...

Condensed schedule

June 15: Jazz Night, Featuring Rachelle Ferrell and Cyrus Chestnut

June 29: Legendary Sons Night, Featuring Shooter Jennings and Devon Allman

July 4: Price Chopper and Market 32 Presents the New York State 4th of July Celebration
starring the Boogie Wonder Band

July 6: Reggae Night, Featuring Beres Hammond

July 9: Kids Day starring Choo Choo Soul

July 13: Classic Rock Night, Featuring Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice & Dylan Elise

July 20: Rhythm & Blues Night, featuring Black Joe Lewis

August 6: The Black Arts and Cultural Festival presented by McDonald's starring Sounds of
Blackness

August 10: New York State Food Festival starring The Commodores

August 17: Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series: Big Hero 6

August 24: Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series: Gaslight

August 31: Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series: The Wizard of Oz

September 10: Hispanic Heritage Celebration starring Michael Stuart

Expanded schedule

Quoted blurbage is from the state Office of General Services press release.

June 15: Jazz Night, Featuring Rachelle Ferrell and Cyrus Chestnut
With: Out of the Box
"Having sung backup for Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, and George Duke, Rachelle Ferrell is now considered one of the most dynamic talents in contemporary pop music, having a potent combination of range, phrasing, and musicianship. Although Ferrell has captured the jazz public's attention as a vocalist, she continues to compose and write songs on piano and violin. Cyrus Chestnut has earned a reputation as a jazz pianist for his skillful versatility, his ability for blending sounds, and for unabashedly bringing gospel into the club performances he gives. He takes jazz very seriously and believes it has great staying power." Wednesday, June 15, 5-9 pm

June 29: Legendary Sons Night, Featuring Shooter Jennings and Devon Allman
With: The Mallett Brothers
"The only son of country legends Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, Shooter Jennings spent his childhood on a tour bus. Jennings has worn many hats throughout his career: the self-described 'son of a rebel saint,' is known for his forays as a singer-songwriter into country music, country rock, and psychedelic rock. With opening acts: Devon Allman, son of famed musician Gregg Allman, and The Mallett Brothers, which features the sons of David Mallett of the original Mallett Brothers." Wednesday, June 29, 5-9 pm

July 4: Price Chopper and Market 32 Presents the New York State 4th of July Celebration
starring the Boogie Wonder Band
"The Boogie Wonder Band is on the forefront of neo-funk-and-disco bands that capture the hornfired
sounds and hedonistic fun of the '70s. With spectacular costumes and a very solid set of
musicians, the Boogie Wonder Band considers itself the most disco-loving band in all the land." (And, of course, there's the big fireworks display that evening.) Monday, July 4, 3-10 pm

July 6: Reggae Night, Featuring Beres Hammond
With: The Big Takeover
"Over the course of a 40-year career, Beres Hammond has poured his smoky-sweet voice -- an instrument of subtlety and power reminiscent of an Otis Redding or a Teddy Pendergrass -- over every kind of reggae and dancehall track, from the funked-up reggae jams of the '70s fusion band Zap Pow to the lush instrumentation of his 1976 album "Soul Reggae," to the spare digital beat of his 1985 dancehall breakthrough "What One Dance Can Do." Performing with Hammond are DJ Inferno and The Harmony House Singers." Wednesday, July 6, 5-9 pm

July 9: Kids Day starring Choo Choo Soul
"This year's fun also includes Choo Choo Soul. Imagine parents honestly being able to enjoy the
music that their children enjoy. Imagine soulful and current renditions of the ABCs, 1-2-3s, and
learning how to be polite. Imagine a diverse, and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through
music on an animated train ... and Choo-Choo Soul is born." Saturday, July 9, noon-5 pm

July 13: Classic Rock Night, Featuring Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice & Dylan Elise
With: Super 400
"Like a great baseball team, the members of Blood Sweat and Tears change, but the soul lives on. Though many wonderful musicians have passed through BS&T, the musicianship stands the test of time. With hits such as "You've Made Me So Very Happy," and "Spinning Wheel," BS&T is considered one of the hottest touring acts in the world. The band now features Bo Bice of "American Idol" fame as the lead singer." Wednesday, July 13, 5-9 pm

July 20: Rhythm & Blues Night, featuring Black Joe Lewis
With: Sonny Knight and the Lakers
"Austin-based Black Joe Lewis is a contemporary singer and guitarist with a bent toward vintage blues, soul, and R&B. Backed by his band the Honeybears, Lewis draws inspiration from such legendary "shouters" as Howlin' Wolf, Wilson Pickett, and James Brown." Wednesday, July 20, 5-9 pm

August 6: The Black Arts and Cultural Festival presented by McDonald's starring Sounds of
Blackness
"Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness performs and proclaims the music, culture, and history
of African Americans to audiences all over the world. From jazz and blues to rock & roll, R&B, gospel, spirituals, hip hop, reggae and soul, the group colors each and every "Sound of Blackness" with uplifting messages of hope, unity, love and peace for all humankind. The festival will also feature performances by the Jubilee Gospel Community Choir, Scholastic Talent Showcase winners, Wassa Pan Afrika dance, and a Def Poetry Jam Reunion with Danny Simmons." Saturday, August 6, 2-7 pm

August 10: New York State Food Festival starring The Commodores
"One of the greatest Motown and R&B/funk artists of all time, The Commodores' Walter "Clyde"
Orange, James Dean "JD" Nicholas, and William "WAK" King have influenced artists young and
old and in all genres with their classic songs, including "Brick House," "Three Times A Lady,"
"Easy," "Sail On," and "Nightshift."" Wednesday, August 10, 11 am-9 pm

August 17: Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series: Big Hero 6
""Big Hero 6" is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends-- adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred -- who transform into a band of unlikely heroes." Wednesday, August 17, 8 pm in West Capitol Park

August 24: Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series: Gaslight
"In this 1940s mystery-thriller starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, and Joseph Cotton, a young woman moves back with her new husband into the house her aunt was murdered in years ago. However, he has a secret that he will do anything to protect, even if it means driving his wife insane." Wednesday, August 24, 8 pm in West Capitol Park

August 31: Capitol Park After Dark Movie Series: The Wizard of Oz
"Although "there's no place like home," it will be worth the visit to West Capitol Park to view this magical, colorful, unique fantasy that has melted hearts for more than seven decades with its indelible melodies and timeless themes. The movie stars Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton." Wednesday, August 31, 8 pm in West Capitol Park

September 10: Hispanic Heritage Celebration starring Michael Stuart
"From a young age, salsa singer Michael Stuart was influenced by his uncle, bandleader Israel "Timbalero" Stuart, and his father's love for music. Playing together at home with his mentors, Stuart became familiar with the percussion instruments and melodies that laid the groundwork for modern salsa music. His debut disc "Cuentos de la Vecindad" earned him the Tu Musica Award for Best New Artist in 1997. Career highlights include a 2005 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Tropical-Contemporary Album and nominations for Billboard Music Awards in both 2006 and 2007. The festival will also feature performances by DJ Boy Boy, Luis Damon, and Judy Torres." Saturday, September 10, 5-10 pm
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Earlier on AOA:
+ Upbeat on the Roof 2016
+ Freedom Park 2016 concert series lineup
+ Music Haven 2016 lineup
+ Troy Rockin' on the River 2016
+ Alive at Five 2016 lineup